WINTER seems good for the Philippines, according to Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano. “Cruise companies are venturing into the Philippines for the first time. They boost our country’s confidence of now being in the big tourist radar. This opens up more possibilities of other ships visiting our shores.”

Durano said a number of cruise ships of Italy’s Costa Cruises until November this year will bring in more than 22,000 affluent tourists from the United States and European countries.

“In addition to our chartered flights, the cruise-ship tours would help drive tourism growth by providing a competitive opportunity for affluent travelers from the US, Europe  and Asia to visit the country, see our attractions and recognize our economic potentials,” he said.

On Monday he led travel authorities and tour operators in welcoming some 1,300 travelers from Europe onboard the MS Costa Classica.

Durano said Costa Cruises, through its Costa Allegra, Costa Classica, and Costa Romantica cruise ships will begin regular calls to Manila through its ground handler Travel People.

England’s Acromas Shipping Limited through its luxury cruise ship MS Spirit of Adventure recently brought over 300 British and French nationals as part of a 16-day tour of Asia. The Philippines had the longest itinerary of the tour, with the ship visiting Cebu, Boracay, Manila, and La Union.

“The cruise industry’s growing recognition of the country’s numerous island experiences and shore excursions translates to a greater number of cruise ships and an even greater number of international tourists in the coming days,” said Durano.

He said over 700 passengers of various nationalities also joined the first Asian tour of MV Voyages of Discovery, also of Acromas Shipping Ltd. and were engaged in the local trip itinerary that included, among others, tours in Old Manila, Pagsanjan Falls, Tagaytay and Corregidor Island.

Another luxury cruise ship, MS Amadea carrying some 700 German tourists, will also dock at the port of Manila this March along with Silversea Whisper, with 384 guests; and Regent Seven Seas Voyager, carrying more than 600 guests of various nationalities.

Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr. said, “The Philippines could soon become the choice cruise destination in Asia among travelers, owing to our natural island attractions and the continued efforts in accommodating the local cruise expansion.”